Golden State Foods to open plant in Opelika

OPELIKA, AL (WTVM) - Tuesday, live over a video stream, officials from Golden State Foods along with several city and state leaders announced the company's decision to build a new facility in Opelika.

"They have operations on five difference continents in 60 difference countries, so we felt like it was a nice compliment to Opelika and Alabama to have them come here," explains Opelika Mayor, Gary Fuller.

The new state-of-the-art meat processing plant will be located in the Northeast Opelika Industrial Park.

A capital investment in the facility is estimated to be between $40 and $45 million, while creating high-paying 173 new jobs in the city.

"It tells people outside of this area what we've already known for a long time, that this is a great place to live, work and raise a family. They've obviously determined at Golden State Foods that it's a great place to operate a business and that's what really want," says Alabama Speaker of the House, Mike Hubbard.

Golden State Foods is headquartered in California and is one of the largest suppliers to the Quick Service Restaurant and retail industries.

The core of their business includes the processing and distribution of liquid products, produce and dairy.

"Part of what we do is to recruit industry like this stems from our strategic plan, called Accelerate Alabama and one of the industries we've targeted for growth is the food processing sector," explains Greg Canfield.

Golden State Foods officials say they picked Opelika based on its location on I-85, the area's workforce and the atmosphere of industry.

"It's a compliment to our community, state and region when folks choose to invest money and do business here and I think it has to do with our proximity to Auburn University and Southern Union State Community College."